OCEANVILLE – The Monmouth County Audubon Society will host a trip to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Atlantic County on Sept. 21.

The refuge, known as “Brig” (short for Brigantine) to local birders, is one of the most active flyways for migratory water birds in North America. The refuge contains fresh and saltwater habitats, which attract shorebirds and waterfowl that spend the winter months here.

The trip will be led by Rob and Lisa Ann Fanning, as well as other volunteer leaders.

“Brigantine is one of my favorite places for birding,” says Lisa Ann Fanning, “because of the great diversity of habitats. You can see quite a variety of birds there, and you stand a good chance for spotting some of the rarer species. If the tide is right you can get fairly close to the birds.” Because of the variety of habitats the bird life is varied as well: shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, gulls, terns and land birds can all be found here.

Anyone interested in observing the birds of Forsythe can meet in the parking lot of the refuge at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. Forsythe is located off Exit 48 of the Garden State Parkway (Port Republic exit). Pack a lunch, as neither food nor beverages are available inside the refuge. The event should end around noon.

The trip is open to both members and nonmembers of the Monmouth County Audubon Society; participation is free, but there is a $4 per car admission fee to the refuge. Advance registration is not required. Participants should bring binoculars and field guides and should dress appropriately for the weather, including clothing suitable for rain if necessary. Pets are not permitted.

The Monmouth County Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of nature, wildlife conservation, habitat protection and education. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month September through May at Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven; guest speakers address a wide variety of nature-related topics, and refreshments are provided. In addition, the group sponsors at least one field trip per month, and members receive The Osprey, the club’s bi-monthly newsletter.

For more information visit www.monmouthaudubon.org, or email info@monmouthaudubon.org.